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+ School Board land sales would bring $2 millionThe Manatee County School Board approved two land sales that may bring more than $2 million for a district with virtually no fund balance.

On May 6, the School Board unanimously approved the sale of the Checkers-Owen Annex, a building that houses the district’s human resources department, for $1.6 million to Blackrock Development Holdings LLC. It also voted to reject a previous contract for the property from Gold Glove Ventures LLC.

It also approved a contract for the sale of the Instructional Material Center, site of an unused print shop on 26th Street West, in Bradenton, to Firkins Acquisition Inc. for $550,000.

Previously, the board had planned to sell the Checkers-Owens property, located next door to the school district building on Manatee Avenue West, in Bradenton, to Gold Glove Ventures.

Blackrock Development Holdings had a better offer because it put $50,000 down in earnest money, board members said.

The board voted 3-1 on the sale of the Instructional Material Center. Board member Dave Miner opposed; he wanted more money for the property, which was appraised at $1 million.

Both contracts allow for a more than 30-day inspection period, during which the buyer can back out of the deal.

The anticipated closing dates are June 28 for the Checkers-Owen Annex and June 21 for the Instructional Materials Center.

Board member Bob Gause recused himself from voting, saying his firm, Allison-Gause, either has done business with the two firms or may in the future.

+ MCAT to host public meetings as it plans its futureThe public can help decide the future of bus transit in Manatee County, during two upcoming open houses the Manatee County Area Transit (MCAT) is hosting.

The public input is part of a Transportation Development Plan MCAT will take to the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners this summer.

One open house will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 16, at the State College of Florida Student Union Building, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton. Another will be held the same day, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Palmetto Youth Center, 501 17th St. W., Palmetto.

“We’ll be available to answer specific questions, show graphics and alternatives for possible routes and increased frequencies,” said Chad Fosnight, an MCAT senior planner.